Flooding is keeping a number of southern routes closed this morning in Otago and South Canterbury.
With rainfall easing off over South Canterbury, the St Andrews highway, SH1, south of Timaru could re-open in the next few hours, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
However, rainfall is forecast to continue over Otago until mid-afternoon meaning that closures and flood warnings may not change until rain and river levels subside.
MetService rain radar(external link)
Many other routes around Otago inland from Dunedin have flooding and drivers need to take care and be aware there will be potholes under the water.
“If you do not need to travel, put it off until flood waters and river levels have receded,” says Nicole Felts, Journey Manager for Waka Kotahi in Otago. “Please check our traffic map before you head out so you know where journeys will take longer and require much more care around slips or flooding.”
Waka Kotahi map showing updates on closures and road conditions(external link)
SH1 Palmerston, south of Shag Point, over the Kilmog to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens
SH83 (Duntroon-Georgetown Road) between Black Point and Georgetown/ Smilies Road
SH1 St Andrews through Makihikihi to Glenavy north of the Waitaki Bridge
SH82 Waihao Downs to Waimate, south of the Showgrounds
Waikouaiti earlier today around the bridge – in the middle of the SH1 section currently closed.
Big Kuri Creek at Hampden, North Otago, SH1 – open but care needed.
Flood warnings in place for many areas of Otago
Maheno - flooding across both lanes, temporary speed restrictions, being closely monitored.
Big Kuri Creek, Hampden – flooding across both lanes, temporary speed restrictions – see photo above.
Waikouaiti River Bridge, Waikouaiti- closed within SH1 closure area.
Shag River, Waynes - flooding across both lanes, temporary speed restrictions
Dough Boy Creek – flooding across both lanes, temporary speed restrictions.
